The National Botanic Garden of Wales was thrilled to welcome Colin Greengrass on the 17th of November, who visited to present a donation of £3,500 from the Brecknock Gardening Association.
This donation will be put towards our Apprenticeship in Botanical Horticulture Scheme, which provides practical training in botanical horticulture. Working alongside other horticulturists at the Garden, our apprentices gain confidence and work experience in all areas of horticulture at the Garden, including working in glasshouses, nurseries and display horticulture. Personal development is encouraged with opportunities to gain appropriate National Proficiency Tests Council qualifications and options to take part in placements with other partner gardens.
Colin met past and present members of the scheme, all of whom who spoke enthusiastically and very highly of the quality of training, experience and the opportunities that it had created for them. Schemes such as this are expensive to operate and all donations are greatly appreciated. Indeed, we are indebted to Col Patrick Daniell for his longstanding support for the scheme over a number of years.
Fundraising and Development Manager, Owen Thomas, added, “We are delighted to be receiving this generous donation from the Brecknock Gardening Association. It will make a huge difference to our Apprenticeship in Botanical Horticulture Scheme, which, since 2015, has given over 20 young people their first steps into becoming a fully trained horticulturalist. With this support, we will be able to grow opportunities for more people to access our crucial training, providing us with the next generation of plant conservationists. With issues such as climate change, food security and habitat loss at the top of our agenda, this is needed now more than ever”.
Colin, speaking on behalf of the Association, added, “Schemes like yours are essential to the training and development of the next generation of gardeners who will go on to lead other projects that will bring huge benefits to those interested in horticulture and their communities. Long may it flourish.”
If you are interested in finding out more or donating towards our Apprentice Scheme, please visit the Apprenticeship page.